Synergic action of Vitamin D 3 and 17β-estradiol on behavioral impairments induced by unpredictable mild stress in the adult ovariectomized female rats

In conclusion, VD (5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) in a combination with low dose of 17β-E had a synergic antianhedonic- and antidepressant-like effects in the adult female rats following long-term ovariectomy submitted to CUMS. This is the first study in long-term OVX female rats showing beneficial effects of VD on depression-like behavior that are depended on the presence/absence of stressful factors.